Be vigilant all. From Decatur PD late last night…
Decatur Police are investigating a report of a suspicious person on Erie Avenue. The 17-year-old complainant stated on 2-21-14 at approximately 2:00 pm, she was walking on Clairemont Avenue and turned onto Erie Avenue and noticed an unknown male walking toward her in the opposite direction. As she passed the male, he immediately turned around and started walking behind her. The male was walking approximately two feet behind her. She felt uneasy, left the sidewalk and walked up to a nearby church and waited before continuing home. The male did not follow her and continued east on Erie Avenue. The male never spoke or made physical contact. The male was described as white, late 50’s, unshaven, with a slight hunch in his posture, wearing an orange beanie cap, hoodie and blue jeans. The complainant located and viewed the forensic sketch from the recent Emory University rape investigation and stated the suspicious male she encountered on Erie Avenue appeared to be the same male depicted in the forensic sketch.
Decatur Police have been in contact with Emory University Police and DeKalb County Police to share information. If you have any additional information, please contact the Decatur Police Department at . The actions of the complainant in being aware of her surroundings, reacting to her uneasiness and changing course to locate a safe place are actions the Decatur Police Department would recommend if you are in a similar situation.
Really thankful that young lady followed her instincts and got off the street. Let’s hope this character is brought into custody immediately.
+1. Seems like he isn’t making any effort to change his appearance. I hope they find him soon!
DM – please let us know if you hear that this guy has been picked up. I’m thinking that I’m not letting the kids walk anywhere alone until we are rid of him.
Of course.
Wanted to make sure everyone saw this update from the police station:
Decatur Police Department
Update – Suspicious Male on Erie Avenue
We have had a male resident of the neighborhood come forward and advise he was walking and turned around on Erie Avenue near Clairemont Avenue on 2-21-14 at approximately 2:00 pm and believes he was the subject of the complaint. The male resident further stated he remembered seeing a young lady a short distance in front of him who seemed somewhat nervous as he made his turn. He was going to cross the street and walk on the other side because the young lady seemed apprehensive but she left the area before he had a chance. He did not think anything else of it until he later read the alert.
Investigators have followed up with the both the male resident who has come forward and the original complainant and based on the location, time frame, physical and clothing descriptions and details provided, believe this is the male the complainant encountered.
We want to thank the complainant for being alert and the resident for coming forward to clear up the misunderstanding.
This does NOT mean the suspect in the Emory University and DeKalb County assaults has been apprehended. We will continue to share any potentially useful information with the Emory University Police Department and DeKalb County Police Department to assist them with their investigations.
Original Alert:
“Decatur Police are investigating a report of a suspicious person on Erie Avenue. The 17-year-old complainant stated on 2-21-14 at approximately 2:00 pm, she was walking on Clairemont Avenue and turned onto Erie Avenue and noticed an unknown male walking toward her in the opposite direction. As she passed the male, he immediately turned around and started walking behind her. The male was walking approximately two feet behind her. She felt uneasy, left the sidewalk and walked up to a nearby church and waited before continuing home. The male did not follow her and continued east on Erie Avenue. The male never spoke or made physical contact. The male was described as white, late 50’s, unshaven, with a slight hunch in his posture, wearing an orange beanie cap, hoodie and blue jeans. The complainant located and viewed the forensic sketch from the recent Emory University rape investigation and stated the suspicious male she encountered on Erie Avenue appeared to be the same male depicted in the forensic sketch. Decatur Police have been in contact with Emory University Police and DeKalb County Police to share information. If you have any additional information, please contact the Decatur Police Department at 404/373-6551. The actions of the complainant in being aware of her surroundings, reacting to her uneasiness and changing course to locate a safe place are actions the Decatur Police Department would recommend if you are in a similar situation.â€